Hello I am a student nearing completion of a bachelors in game programming and development who wants to work in level design. Because my experience so far has been centered solely around getting good grades for my degree, while juggling a job to avoid student loans, I am trying to decide if I should try to start off in QA testing as I work on developing more level designs for practice and fill out a portfolio, or if I should try for an entry position in level design immediately. My question to more experienced developers is, which action would you recommend for me to get my food in the door for game development or more specifically level design?

Your question has been moved to the Career Development forum. My advice is take whatever job you can get (QA or level design). If you start with QA, keep looking for level design openings.

yes, get your Food in the door!! for sure…

But ya, the games industry is very competitive so take what job you can get.

If you want to be a level designer, maybe join some indie projects as a level designer, build out your portfolio?